Sweeney Todd Preview - Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre

SWEENEY Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘business partnership.’

It’s the truly grisly or should that be gristly tale, of two people whose pies become a gastronomic sensation with their customers who are oblivious to their true ingredients.

If only they knew.

Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre is about to bring the multi-award winning show to the stage and

Phil Callaghan, the production’s co-ordinator, is in no doubt as to why this macabre evening of theatre has such mass appeal.

You can rest assured, there’s nothing to upset the squeamish, with the master composer telling this dark tale with characteristic wit and cleverness.

When asked to pinpoint the reason for the show’s mass appeal, Phil said: “I think the musical really plays to the fascination around the macabre that so many of us posses.

“However despite the dark themes of the show, it is laced with comedic effect too. I think this genius combination alongside and incredible musical score provides us with a musical for the ages.”

Phil also regards the production as SAMT’s way of paying tribute to a true giant of modern musical theatre.

“We decided to stage Sweneey Todd as it’s such an iconic piece of theatre. When the theatre world mourned the death of the late, great Stephen Sondheim, there was a recognition of the immense contribution he had made to musical theatre throughout the decades.

“As a society we felt compelled to bring one of his most powerful pieces of work to the stage to perhaps share it with a new audience in Trafford. As a society we also never shy away from a challenge and knew that this would be a musical we could really get our teeth into!.”

While there’s nothing elitist about the work of the great man, Sondheim’s musicals do pose challenges for audiences and actors alike. Theatregoers must be prepared to give his scores their full attention for them to be able to fully bask in his brilliance and Phil said there are a different set of challenges for the actors to conquer.

“The score is an immense work and I personally believe one of Sondheim’s greatest pieces of work. However, like any good Sondheim score, it’s not easy for the cast.

“The conversational style of Sondheim’s score and lyrics with lines running over the top of one another mean that timing is everything.

“Thankfully with the assistance of our MD, Pete England, our cast have relished the challenge and are now speaking the language of Sondheim.”

Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. At the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale from October 17-21 at 7:30pm. Tickets available via www.samtheatre.co.uk,

Further information is also available via the company’s Facebook page, Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre.